The Top 10 Best Dental Hygiene Schools

So, you have finally made the decision to venture into dental hygiene. It is an excellent career with numerous opportunities and good rewards. However, you will first have to enroll to dental school to achieve your dream. Whether you are an undergraduate or seeking a dental hygiene continuing education program, your desire is to get into the best dental school.

Here is a guide to ten of the best dental hygiene schools across the U.S.

1. University of Michigan School of Dentistry

The dental hygiene program in this university is ranked among the best in the world. This also makes it exclusive as it takes in only 24 of the best applicants each fall. The applicants must also complete rigorous tests to qualify. It offers education and training on all levels of dental hygiene.

2. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

A dental hygiene program in this university will also see you learn a bit of liberal arts. Its program is comprehensive and includes undergraduate and Masters’ degree courses. Requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.8 as well as ACT and SAT tests.

3. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine

The University of Pittsburgh also ranks well when it comes to dentistry in general and dental hygiene in particular. However, it has high standards that applicants should meet, including good grades in high school as well as good performance on entry tests. It offers experience as it also provides dental hygiene services to the university’s patients.

4. University of Maryland – Baltimore College of Dental Surgery

The dental hygiene career program at the University of Maryland takes four years to complete and gives graduates the best opportunities in the job market. Applicants are required to submit two recommendation letters, a resume, shadowing form, and personal application letter. There are also rigorous online tests to complete.

5. Ohio State University College of Dentistry

The dental hygiene program at the University of Ohio is the first of its kind in the state. It offers both full-time and part-time courses on all levels of education. However, it has strict requirements and accepts only a handful of applicants. It also offers dental hygiene continuing education programs.

6. University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry

This university offers an accelerated dental hygiene course that is perfect for those seeking an early head-start. The course takes only three years but involves long studying and practicing hours. The entry requirements are not as stringent as with other schools, but it accepts only a handful of applicants.

7. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

This university offers all levels of dental hygiene education, and its course is designed with an all-round, hands-on approach. To this end, the course involves theoretical classes, critical thinking tests, and practical training. One of the requirements is religious coursework as the university if a Seventh-Day Adventist organization.

8. Texas A&M, Health Science Center

Texas A&M offers a comprehensive dental hygiene program through the Caruth School of Dental Hygiene. Its course is comprehensive enough to prepare graduates for a career in diverse sectors of the market including the private and public sectors and institutions such as schools and public health agencies. One of its several strict requirements includes a physical fitness test, so stay in shape.

9. Louisiana State University School of Dentistry

The dental hygiene program at LSU involves clinical nutrition, pharmacology, and microbiology. Its course is comprehensive and adds a competitive advantage to graduates. However, it is important to note that it is available only to Louisiana residents.

10. West Virginia University School of Dentistry

With one of the best dental hygiene courses in the country, this university covers all levels of education including a masters’ degree. Requirements include passing the ACT and SAT academic evaluation tests.